﻿PMSA, Customs seize 166373 liters Iranian oil

KARACHI: Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) and Customs Intelligence Karachi seized 1,66,373 liters of Iranian diesel and petrol in a joint operation at open sea and foiled an attempt to smuggle the same in to the country without payment of duty and taxes.

According to a release there was information that Iranian diesel is being smuggled in huge quantity through sea routes in an illegal manner depriving national ex-chequer of its legitimate due.

Thereafter, upon directions of Director General PMSA, Rear Admiral Ather Mukhtar SI(M), Corvette Ship and Fast Response Boats of PMSA were immediately deployed to monitor the sea routes and conduct focused anti-smuggling operation. During the process, number of suspicious boats were boarded and checked by PMSA staff at open sea. As a result, five launches along with 35 crew which were carrying smuggled diesel were apprehended at open sea.

These apprehended launches were subsequently brought to the Karachi Harbour under the supervision of PMSA and Customs Intelligence. Thorough search was conducted and a huge quantity of 1,66,373 liters smuggled diesel and petrol was recovered as there was no proof or evidence for its legal transportation or import. Estimated value of smuggled diesel and launches is around of Rs.3 Crores and Seventy Lacs.

The goods were taken into custody after fulfilling requirements of law as required under Customs Act, 1969. 35 Persons were arrested and FIR under the Customs Act was lodged.

Director Customs Intelligence Karachi Muhammad Asif Marghoob Siddiqui to a query confirmed the seizure. He added that the operation was in line with the Anti-Smuggling Strategy of Federal Board of Revenue and under the instructions of Director General Customs Intelligence, Lutfullah Virk. Further investigation is under way.

Director Customs Intelligence admired the active support and cooperation of Pakistan Maritime Security Agency to make the operation successful.